Singtel, Southeast Asia's largest phone firm

SINGAPORE, Feb 8: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. , Southeast Asia's largest phone firm, said on Thursday it was unsure if Vodafone plc's stake in India's Bharti was up for sale and that it was premature to comment on possible talks. ''It is our objective to increase our stakes in existing associates at the right terms and conditions, and Bharti is certainly one associate we are interested to increase our shareholding in,'' Chief Financial Officer Chua Sock Koong told a media briefing.

''Whether Vodafone's stake is open for sale is still very unclear. It is really premature for us to comment on any discussions (with Vodafone) at this stage.''

REUTERS